The Labradoodle — sometimes cheekily called a Labrapoo — is one of the most popular crossbreeds in the world. First bred in Australia in the 1980s to create a guide dog suitable for allergy sufferers, this Labrador × Poodle mix has become the poster pup for family-friendly, teddy-bear dogs.
They’re loyal, clever, and endlessly enthusiastic — but don’t be fooled by the fluff. Labradoodles are big, bouncy dogs with energy to burn. As one owner laughed: “Ours is part dog, part kangaroo — the jumping never stops.”
Not sure if a Labradoodle would suit your lifestyle? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to find out.
Great Names for a Labradoodle
With their curly coats and goofy personalities, Labradoodles suit playful names as much as classy ones. And if you’re stuck, our Dog Name Generator is full of paw-some ideas.
Fluffy & curly nods: Teddy, Fuzz, Noodle, Curls, Ruffles
Classic charmers: Daisy, Max, Bella, Charlie, Alfie
Funny & quirky: Sir Wigglebottom, Biscuit, Bounce, Waffle, Socks
Elegant & Poodle-inspired: Coco, Hugo, Gigi, Louis, Bijou
Pickles’ Aside: “Name them Waffle and expect breakfast confusion forever.”
Exercise
Labradoodles are not couch potatoes. With working breeds on both sides of their family tree, they need daily exercise and plenty of stimulation. A quick trip around the block won’t cut it — think long walks, swimming, running, and games that challenge their brains.
- 1–2 hours of exercise a day.
- Great swimmers — many inherit the Labrador’s love of water.
- Bored Labradoodles = chewed shoes, zoomies, and chaos.
Owner insight: “Our Labradoodle does 5km with me every morning and still wants to play fetch when we get home.”
A Note on Working Breeds
Don’t be fooled by the teddy-bear look. Labradoodles are energetic, intelligent working dogs at heart. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can become destructive or anxious.
As one owner put it: “We thought we were getting a fluffy family dog. What we got was a tornado in curly fur.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Cute fluffball? More like a personal trainer in disguise.”
Temperament
Friendly, playful, and affectionate, Labradoodles are often called “velcro dogs” because they love being with their people. They’re great with children and usually sociable with other dogs, but they can be over-exuberant and need training to stop them bowling people over in excitement.
- Loyal family dogs.
- Social butterflies at the park.
- Occasionally too enthusiastic (expect muddy paws on trousers).
Owner insight: “Our Labradoodle loves everyone. The postman, the delivery guy, random joggers — they’re all his new best friend.”
Training
With the Poodle’s smarts and the Labrador’s eagerness to please, training can be a joy — if you’re consistent. Keep it fun and reward-based to stop boredom.
They’re good at learning:
- Basic obedience (sit, stay, recall).
- Tricks (paw, roll over, high five).
- Agility and brain games — they thrive with a challenge.
But beware:
- Counter-surfing is a common bad habit.
- Selective hearing kicks in when something more fun is happening.
Need a hand? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for personalised tips to keep your doodle’s brain as busy as their paws.
Owner insight: “Ours learned sit, paw, and roll over in days. Teaching him not to counter-surf? Still a work in progress.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Smart enough to learn commands. Smarter at pretending they didn’t.”
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
- Most Labradoodles are friendly to a fault.
- Some will bark at the door, others will wag their tail at intruders.
- Personality depends on which side of the mix they take after.
Owner insight: “Our girl barks when someone comes to the door — but then immediately offers them her toy.”
Other Animals
Generally friendly, Labradoodles usually get on well with other dogs and pets, though their bouncy enthusiasm can overwhelm smaller animals. Early socialisation helps channel that playful energy into good manners.
Pickles’ Aside: “Playtime = all the time. Whether the cat agrees or not.”
Grooming
This is where things get interesting. Labradoodle coats can vary wildly — some have loose waves, others tight curls, some more Labrador-like shedding coats. One of the biggest myths is that all Labradoodles are hypoallergenic (they’re not).
- Daily or every-other-day brushing is best.
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
- Coat type is unpredictable — even within the same litter.
Owner insight: “We expected no shedding … but ours drops tumbleweeds of hair. Gorgeous, but definitely not hypoallergenic.”
Health
As a crossbreed, Labradoodles can inherit conditions from either side. Common concerns include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts
- Ear infections (thanks to floppy, hairy ears)
- Allergies and skin issues
- Addison’s disease in some lines
Owner insight: “Ours had endless ear infections until we started monthly ear trims and cleaning — now he’s fine.”
They usually live 12–15 years. Choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests Labradors and Poodles is vital. For guidance, see our Best in Breeder Guide.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Big dog, big bills. Labradoodles are pricey to buy, feed, and groom.
- Puppy price: £1,200–£3,000
- Food: £40–£70/month
- Insurance: £30–£60/month
- Routine vet care: ~£250–£400/year
- Grooming: £50–£80 every 6–8 weeks
Yearly Costs:
- Budget Year: ~£1,800
- Realistic Year: £3,000–£4,000
- Chaotic Year: £5,000+ (emergencies, destroyed sofa, surprise groom bills)
Famous Owners & Moments
Labradoodles are beloved by families worldwide. Celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Tiger Woods, have owned them. In Australia, where the breed began, they’ve even been used as therapy and assistance dogs thanks to their intelligence and trainability.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| All Labradoodles are hypoallergenic | Not true. Coat types vary; some shed, some don’t. |
| They’re always calm family dogs | Many are bouncy and boisterous without training. |
| They all look the same | Coats vary hugely, even within litters. |
| Crossbreeds don’t get health issues | They can inherit conditions from either parent breed. |
Labradoodle FAQs
Do they shed?
Some do, some don’t — it depends on coat type.
Are they easy to train?
Yes, they’re clever, but they need consistency and stimulation.
How much exercise do they need?
1–2 hours a day, plus mental stimulation.
Are they good with kids?
Yes — playful, affectionate, though sometimes boisterous.
How long do they live?
Usually 12–15 years.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Labradoodle?
If you’re after a friendly, fluffy companion who’ll make you laugh daily (and occasionally drive you mad with their energy), the Labradoodle could be perfect. They’re clever, affectionate, and always up for adventure, but remember, they’re not low-maintenance. Grooming, training, and exercise are all part of the doodle package.
Before you take the plunge, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And once your Labradoodle is settled, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?
Pickles’ Aside: “Fluff, bounce, and muddy pawprints — it’s the Labradoodle starter pack.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: Australia (Labrador × Poodle)
- Weight: 23–30 kg (medium–large)
- Height: 50–60 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Friendly, clever, family-friendly
- Challenging Trait: High energy & unpredictable coat care